While the first half of 2022 won’t necessarily be remembered as the year of big fashion acquisitions, there are a few not to be overlooked.
Karl Lagerfeld is acquired by G-III Apparel
G-III Apparel continued its shopping spree in the first half of 2022. The US textile company acquired all shares in the Karl Lagerfeld brand and paid 200 million euros for it. Before the transaction, the group already held 19 percent of the brand.
Karl Lagerfeld is the brand of the late designer of the same name. The brand has a rock-chic attitude and offers clothing and accessories for women, men and children.
Zalando takes over Highsnobiety
In June, Zalando came up with a surprise: The Berlin online fashion retailer took over the news platform and creative consultancy Highsnobiety. It is still not known how much Zalando had to pay for Highsnobiety. At first glance, the takeover seems like a surprising move by the German e-commerce giant, but anyone who studies the history of the online retailer will see that Zalando is continuing on its current course
“By collaborating with Highsnobiety, Zalando is accelerating its quest to become a premier destination for streetwear, new luxury and fashion inspiration. Especially for younger, fashion-conscious consumers,” says the announcement on the takeover.
Hunkemöller back in Dutch hands
The previous owner Carlyle Group Inc. surprisingly announced in March Sale of lingerie supplier Hunkemöller to investors Parcom and Opportunity Partners known. The brand is now in Dutch hands again. However, the Carlyle Group will retain a minority stake.
“The new investors have many years of experience in developing retail and e-commerce of consumer brands and are perfectly suited to support Hunkemöller’s strategic ambitions,” said the Carlyle Group in a press release.
Missguided is acquired by Frasers Group
Just two days before the takeover, it was announced that Missguided was on the verge of default and had been placed under bankruptcy administration. But shortly thereafter, on June 1st, the news followed that the British trading group Frasers Group Plc had acquired the Missguided trademark rights for 20 million British pounds – the equivalent of around 23.5 million euros.
Retailer Omoda takes over boutique and hotel
Dutch retailer Omoda is taking over the House of Fred boutique and the Cozy Pillow hotel above the store. “This move completes our story,” said Jan Baan, Omoda’s CEO, in a press release. “The concept of an inspiring, accessible fashion boutique is the inspiration for our brand. Together with the hotel we can offer customers an unprecedented experience.”
French fashion brand Ba&sh changes hands
Popular French fashion label Ba&sh changed hands in the first half of 2022. L Catterton sold its majority stake in the brand to investment company HLD. It is not known how much money is involved in the acquisition.
Takeover of Wibra by its own management
The Dutch textile discounter Wibra was taken over by its own management in early 2022. The managing directors Bas Duijsens, Wim Smit and Per Eriks acquired a majority stake in the company. Ron Wierdsma, a member of Wibra’s founding family, retained a minority interest.
Calida takes over Cosabella and Erlich Textil
The Swiss lingerie group Calida Holding AG is expanding its brand portfolio by two brands in 2022. In February, the company announced the takeover of the Cologne-based lingerie label Erlich Textil. This was followed in May by the acquisition of the US lingerie brand Cosabella and the market entry in the United States. With its takeovers, Calida is focusing more on the underwear segment and will complete the sale of the Millet Mountain Group at the end of April.
Furniture retailer Made.com acquires lifestyle platform Trouva
This takeover is closely linked to the fashion sector, as online furniture retailer Made.com is taking over Trouva, a platform that not only sells home furnishings but also fashion and lifestyle products. The transaction is part of Made.com’s strategy to expand its offering on the platform.
Mondial Tissues acquires Mondial Textiles
Belgian company Mondial Textiles has been taken over by French fabric and haberdashery retailer Mondial Tissues. Mondial Tissues is now the owner of all eight Mondial Textiles branches in Wallonia and the web shop.
Snipes acquires Croatian chain Shooster
Snipes is also increasingly focusing on acquisitions. In May, the company announced its third acquisition in 12 months. The Croatian retail chain Shooster now also belongs to Snipes.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl